Fun in the Northwoods

January 6, 2026 5:25 pm

January 6, 2026, the 6th day of 2026 Taking it as it Comes Living in the Northwoods we basically learn to take it as it comes, or we will not be very happy for very long. We will face disappointmen... View MoreJanuary 6, 2026, the 6th day of 2026 Taking it as it Comes Living in the Northwoods we basically learn to take it as it comes, or we will not be very happy for very long. We will face disappointments, but they won't crush us. It is an odd way that we learn this, because it mostly comes from the fickle and ever-changing nature of our weather. This is especially true of the winter weather. Its changeable tendency teaches us that early on. Plans can be changed in an instant by the weather. And now with instant weather forecast apps on phones, those expected changes can impact our day, even if they never arrive. It may be the reason that some people who never learn this, up and leave at the oddest provocation. More than likely the build up of uncertainty got to them. They just could not handle that last--one more thing--that had been added to it. I understand. Some years it really can feel like it is futile to make any plans at all, because they will just be thwarted. So, in response we develop the "take it as it comes" attitude. It is a bit different from the "wait and see" attitude, because we actually make plans, but are not surprised if we have to delay our plans or put them off because of circumstances--not always weather related. It is hardest on those who are controll freaks to learn this lesson, as they need to accept that there are many things that really are outside of our contol. But as I have surrendered my life to Jesus, I understand that this means that Jesus can change my plans at any time. I accept that God knows better than me what is best, even as I make plans. There is a kind of arrogance built into thinking otherwise. "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit', whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.' But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil." James 4:13-16 Every morning I give the new day to the Lord. I pray over decisions and I make plans. I put dates on my schedule. But I know that it is all contingent upon God's will for my day. So, I hold my day and my schedule gently, knowing that God may have other things in store for me than those I have planned for. There really are so many things that are outside of our control. We actually have such a fragile grip on any of it. We inagine our grip stronger for our own peace of mind. But in reality changes can come, in an instant, and shake us to the core! The best we can do is to make sure our core is grounded in Jesus! Stay strong! Give your day to Jesus and hold it up to God, that no matter what you will stay true! NAN

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